Futsal: Valletta return to winning ways

A great second half performance ensured Valletta to return to winning ways in the Gatorade Elite Round after seeing off University of Malta 6-2.

The Citizens, who lost to Hamrun in their previous outing, found it hard to penetrate the students’ organized defence at first but five goals in the second part of the match, paved the way for their thirteenth victory of the season. Denis di Maio and Daniel Aguilera Puerto netted a double while Melvin Borg and Rodrigo Ticz Patricio also found the net. The students, who were making their official debut in the Elite Round, had Neil Cauchi and Aidan Caruana on the mark.

Photo: Copyright © Joe Borg

Hamrun Tre Angeli maintained their positive trend in the championship after beating Swieqi FC 5-2. After finding themselves 2-0 down before the break, Swieqi produced a quickfire reaction to level the matters. Most of all, Hamrun’s keeper Matthew Mifsud distinguished himself with some great saves. Despite their opponents’ initial attacks, Hamrun maintained their composure and quickly extended their advantage to grab their most desired victory and climb second in the standings. Cleavon Portelli and Frank Paul Azzopardi scored two braces apiece while Brazilian star Veve also put himself on the score sheet. Swieqi’s scored their goals through Redeemer Borg and Boicho Marev.

Meanwhile in the Gatorade First Division, Msida St Joseph beat Mriehel ESS 7-6 in the top-of-the-table clash to open a one-point lead at the top of the standings although playing a game more. The match lived up to expectations with both teams playing their hearts out to obtain the desired victory. The Seasiders made sure of the points in the last part of the game to temporarily move top of the standings although playing a game more than their rivals Sliema. George Frendo was Msida’s star as he netted a hat-trick while Mohammed Elamari hit a brace. Liam Cachia and Chris Cardona were their other goal-scorers. Mriehel, who missed a golden opportunity to move top of the table, had Marwan Terlisi, Ayoub Ahmad and Eslam Khalifa scoring a brace apiece.

In another match played on Monday, Qormi Futsal grabbed their second consecutive win after they annihilated Tarxien JMI 6-0.

On the other hand, a polished Safi San Lorenzo side returned to winning ways after a 5-0 victory over bottom club Zurrieq Wolves.

STANDINGS:
Elite Group:
Luxol 42, Hamrun Tre Angeli 39, Valletta 37, Swieqi 33, University of Malta 25.

First Division:
Msids 28, Sliema 27, Mriehel 26, Qormi Futsal 22, Safi San Lorenzo 18, Qrendi 10, Marsascala, Tarxien JMI 9, Swieqi U21 6, Zurrieq Wolves 3.